LU: I think the great thing about their relationship is that she doesn’t take any of his BS. Can you talk just a little bit about that special relationship between the two characters? So, it was quite different in the film.ĭC: Right! In the film, Blind Al meets Wade Wilson, and they develop this truly unique and kind of dysfunctional relationship together. Originally, maybe she was a spy and that instead of killing her, he decided just to take her and then put her in a box. Wade Wilson captured her and he put her in a box. CR: Deadpool Social MediaĭC: That’s great! In the movie, Blind Al doesn’t really have a backstory, but I know that there is at least the beginnings of one.
#Deadpool 2 cast movie#
Here I am in a comic book movie playing Blind Al, and it’s just a wonderful, amazing ride. He used to read all the comics and everything. Okay.” (laughs) He said, “Are you kidding?” He’s a big Deadpool fan unbeknownst to me.
When I was finally able to publically say, “I’m going to be doing this,” because it was very “hush-hush” for the first film we did, I told my son he went, “Mom, this is HUGE!” I just responded, “Oh. Once I got the role, then I learned more about the character. (laughs) I had no idea what I was auditioning for, and I was trying to figure out, “Who is this?” Then finally, I thought to myself, “You know, I think she’s blind.” (laughs) I had no idea about the Deadpool comic books.
Were you familiar with the Deadpool comics or with the storyline before taking on the role? Me being able to be a part of that, to be able to observe that is better than any school that you could possibly go through to try to learn your craft.ĭC: That’s so amazing! Now, you’ve taken on the role of Blind Al in Deadpool. Of course, as a kid, I was blessed because I got to work with Louie Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, and people like that – to watch them make magic every show that they did. Also, in my first Broadway show, I got to play a character named Georgina in Hallelujah, Baby! That was an incredible, inquisitive character that, under her circumstances, was determined that she was going to be better and strive for the sky and see what happens. She was determined to raise her son right, and I thought she did a great job in raising her child. Kizzy was an amazing character to play because under her circumstances she still was her own woman in that kind of toxic atmosphere. The wonderful thing when I look back at my career is I’ve been able to do roles that convey strong, independent women under all kinds of adversity. Well, at the time it’s all happening you’re just going out there trying to do your best. Can you talk just briefly about how your early work has inspired your path throughout your career?
Even before that role, you were a real trailblazer in the industry. One of your most notable roles that stands out to me is Kizzy Reynolds in the iconic television mini-series Roots. I mean, you’re a true industry legend! I would be remiss not to at least touch upon the rest of your work before we speak about Deadpool 2. Leslie talked about her impressive career, her discovery of Blind Al and the Deadpool universe, what it was like working on set with Ryan Reynolds and much more!ĭenise Caputo: Before we get into talking about the new film, your career is just so highly impressive. We had the honor of speaking with the iconic Tony and Emmy-Award winning Leslie Uggams just ahead of Deadpool 2‘s theatrical release. Deadpool 2 has officially arrived in theaters nationwide, and the Merc with a mouth is taking the box office by storm! Directed by David Leitch, Deadpool 2 introduces some brand new characters as well as reunites all of your favorites from the first film for another round of action-packed, sarcastic, fourth-wall-breaking fun! The film stars Ryan Reynolds as the titular Deadpool/Wade Wilson, Josh Brolin as Cable, Zazie Beetz as Domino, Julian Dennison as Russell/Firefist, Morena Baccarin as Vanessa, Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Karan Soni as Dopinder and Leslie Uggams as Blind Al.